>>29636181

Rain clouds push in over Callestria, and a heavy storm begins; tendrils of smoke from the burning city on the horizon reach upward to touch the wall clouds forming overhead. You stumble back into the street and glance at the sylvan Shard in your hand, briefly recalling the melismatic voice and disconcerting, genderless body of Ilyanas. As of now, you believe this Spirit has summoned a rainstorm to minimize further damage to the city, as well as loss of life. Just moments ago, in a battle with a Shardkeeper who was once your only friend, you discovered the truth in Skeith's statements—you witnessed first-hand the power that destroyed the world.

You pitted your strength against hers, and though her skills proved superior and her Infusions more exotic, a lucky strike brought the fight to a draw; during the apocalyptic battle, city blocks were destroyed, wracked by acidic storms and great blasts of dragon's fire. Debilitated as the battle came to a close, you were forced to allow her to escape. Before you left the site of that showdown, you were found by a group of city guards, who you left under the impression that you instinctively defended the city with the aid of a powerful relic weapon.

Anise, however, is hunting you specifically; she noted that this was the will of her “Master”. Did he abandon you because he wanted you dead—no, she must serve some new Master now. It was apparent that she didn't intend to cause this much collateral damage, but whatever the case, you don't doubt she will eventually return to finish the job.

What will you do?
>The guards tending to the fire will be expecting your return. Go to them, and play yourself off as a hero.
>Return to the hunters' lodge behind Callestria, and see if your new companions are all okay.
>Flee the city. They might think of you as their savior now, but avoiding suspicion should be number one.
>Other.

>>29636200
>Return to the hunters' lodge behind Callestria, and see if your new companions are all okay.

Probably best we steer clear from the city most of the time.

>>29636200
>>The guards tending to the fire will be expecting your return. Go to them, and play yourself off as a hero.

We have a new shard. Let's get to work.

Rolled 6

>>29636200
>>The guards tending to the fire will be expecting your return. Go to them, and play yourself off as a hero.
But lets not play ourselves as a hero

>>29636200
>The guards tending to the fire will be expecting your return. Go to them, and play yourself off as a hero.

Ignore hero part and just help them. We fucked up their entire city during that fight and they most likely want some sort of compensation after this is over. Also it may be wise to leave the city before every starts pointing fingers.

>>29636200
>>Other.
Go home and experiment with new shard

>>29636200
>The guards tending to the fire will be expecting your return. Go to them, and play yourself off as a hero.

Don't try and make a hero of ourself, don't put on a show or draw more attention to ourself for the sake of attention, but try and help them pick up the pieces and deal with the damage. Try to help anyone trapped under any collapsed buildings, or anything like that. If we get considered a hero because we're trying to help people then so be it, but don't go looking for praise.

After this we'll meet back up with our companions.

>>29636410
For all they know the city was under attack and we defended it.

>>29636487
Someone will get the idea that dragon and rider was after us, and all it takes is just one man to start pointing fingers and then everyone does it.

>>29636474
>>29636410
>>29636365

You approach the location of your battle with Anise to the sight of injured men being carried away by cots and litters. The flames have since been dying down, as Ilyanas's rain falls gradually harder over the city; as you draw within proximity of a conversing group of guards, one of them flags you down.

“It's him, Sir!” The first man you spoke to earlier points you out to another guard with a greatsword at his back; a red shawl and more decorated helmet indicate that he's probably some sort of commanding officer.

“You're the man who defeated the dragon rider?” The captain appears concerned, looking first at the spectacle underway on the street, then at you. “Where'd the body go?”

“The man riding the dragon escaped from the city, Sir. Our watchmen pursued him over a great distance, but he fled to the east, using fire to augment his escape.” The other guard nods. “As to the dragon's body, it somehow disappeared after this man—his name is Erick—defeated them.”

“Well, I've a hard time believing that.” The captain says. “But if it's true, then we owe you our thanks.”

“Don't worry about it.” You respond, nodding. “We're lucky. It looks like this storm drifted through just in time to deal with the flames. Do you need my help tending to the wounded?”

“The majority of the injuries were among the city's guards, as well as those hurt in the two building collapses on Ash. We've already got men on it, thankfully.” The captain points to the adjacent block, devastated by flames. “That block was burned the quickest and the most aggressively, but there were very few civilian casualties in the area, as it was evacuated just before the flames hit. What about you—are you well? What manner of relic did you use to ward that fighter off—and do you know anything about why he would want to attack our city?”

What will you say?
>”Evacuated?”
>Other

>>29636200
>Return to the hunters' lodge behind Callestria, and see if your new companions are all okay.

Rolled 20

>>29636825
>>”Evacuated?”
Now, we do not know why he attacked the city, but we would want to know what he means by evacuated.

>>29636825
"It's good to hear that the place was evacuated. Who managed that anyways?

I'm tired and bruised, but I should be fine after some rest. It took a lot of luck, and a dagger relic they hadn't noticed to drive them off.

And I'm afraid to say I am not an expert in the motivations of dragons nor those who ride them. I'd guess they were looking for something, or someone, and destroyed whatever got in their way."

Just saw that the thread was up. Sorry I'm late.

Readin real quick.

>>29636825
>”Evacuated?”

>>29636944
>>29636989

“It's good to hear that the place was evacuated.” You nod. “Who managed that, anyway?”

“Actually, we're still investigating.” The lower-ranking guard nods. “According to the civilians from that area, they were rallied out of their homes by some strange hunter just before the dragon arrived on their street. Apparently, he told 'em to find the city guards on Crown, but the last group of people that we encounterd said he stayed behind to give them some room.”

That doesn't bode well.

“Well?” The captain asks.

“Ah, I'm tired and a little bruised, but I'll manage after some rest.” You say. You should try to save face as long as you're here. “It took a lot of luck, and a dagger relic they didn't quite notice to drive them off. I'd guess they were looking for something in the city, and decided to destroy whatever got in their way.”

“Well, I suppose luck's been with us all today. My men seem to corroborate your statement, so as far-fetched as it seems, I'll believe you too.” The captain extends an arm, and you accept his firm handshake. “If there's anything we can do for you, Erick, then what's left of our city owes you a debt. Otherwise, I suppose you're... dismissed?”

What will you do?
>Other

>>29637236
>>Other
Experiment with shard

Rolled 18

>>29637236
>Other
Rest

>>29637302
Second

>>29637236
"Well, money's always useful, I do have expenses such as food, alcohol, weapons, and repairing my equipment. That and any available information on notable monsters and beasts in the area, so I know what's worth hunting.

Other than that I want to get some rest."

After we finish chatting head back to our new companions, and get some rest. We'll experiment with the new shard after a nap.

>>29637236
sleep

>>29637450
>>29637236
>shhhh no money, only sleep now

>>29637515
Sleep now, money later.

>>29637236

Put Ilyanas into our cloak so we can drop off of Anise's radar (hopefully).

>>29637829

Second. Do it back at the lodge though.

>>29637564
>>29637450
>>29637373

“I have expenses such as food, alcohol, weapons, and repairing my equipment. I'm a hunter by trade, also—so any information on notable monsters and beasts in the area, so I know what to look out for.”

The man nods. “If that's what you want, we certainly owe it to you. I'm Isaac Forstner, captain of the city guard. Find me sometime later, and I'll see what I can make happen.”

The city is unusually quiet as you make your way toward the back gates; as you approach the threshold, a familiar voice heralds you from behind.

“Oy, Erick.” Daeron limps toward you, bow in one hand, looking like he's been bathed in ash and soaked by rain. “Turning in early?”

“Been a bit of a long day.” You roll your eyes.

“You did some pretty good work back there. Wish I could have caught all of it.” The hunter responds.

“Hey, you didn't do too bad either.” You nod. “You're the one who evacuated all those people, huh? The guards made it sound like you died.”

“To be fair, I thought I was dead for a while there.” The two of you continue down the path; ahead, you see Rebecca and Grato approaching quickly, weapons readied.

“Erick! Daeron!” The woman calls. “Grato woke up and saw the city burning! What the hell's going on?”

“Are you boys alright?” The axeman asks, hefting his weapon onto one shoulder as the two stop in front of you.

“Mostly.” You respond.

“And don't worry about it.” Daeron adds, coughing in between every few words. “Erick handled business... and everything's gonna be fine. Can we talk about it in the morning?”

>Cont'd

>>29638056

The four of you make your way back to the lodge, and you shed your gear and collapse in the place provided you, sleeping for hours—though it feels like days. You peel your eyes open at the insistence of mid-morning light shining onto your face through one of the room's windows.

Your body aches, and throbbing lesions mar your skin where you were struck with the lash of Anise's darksword, feeling as if you've been scarred from the inside-out. Hands shaking, you clean your wounds and address the worst of them with a salve from Eisa's medical supplies before checking your equipment. The Seismic Cloak looks to be in better condition than the fight left it in; you imagine it's working properly now, provided you want to continue using it.

Doesn't seem like anyone else is awake yet, but you could check.

What will you do?
>Knock on someone's door. (Description)
>Perform some Soul ritual. (Description)
>Other.

>>29638090
>>Perform some Soul ritual. (Description)
Do this
>>29637829

>>29638090

Did we see the little girl with the fancy sword turn in?

Also, decrystallize Tregalis (put on boots) and put Ilyanas on our cloak.

Rolled 9

>>29638090
>Prepare breakfast for everyone.

>>29638090
>Perform some Soul ritual. (Description)

Try putting Tregalis into our shirt. And Ilyanas into our cloak.

Also, we should get some armor to enchant, nothing too heavy, but it could help out. And a mask, I think masks could get interesting enchantments.

>>29638090
Tregalis in boots, Skeith in halberd.

>>29638274

The viper on the mask might be interesting, looking at what it did on our bow.

I agree with getting armor (though who knows what state the shops are in right now...that shit's probably expensive after an attack, maybe we can call in a favor from the guard?) the mask seems less important.

>>29638282
Why would we do that? We already know those, we don't need our combat loadout.

We don't really have any plans for the time being aside from healing, resting, and experimenting, we're not going anywhere. Use this time to experiment.

>>29638315
Didnt we loot whats her faces mask?

We need to get a fuckin' mask, man.

>>29638395

It was just some cloth, as I recall.

>>29638345

I, for one, fully approve of getting Tregalis on the boots ASAP. If only to try and be able to run whenever Anise comes next.

File: 1390184908347.jpg-(78 KB, 800x628, 090322205619-A_man_or_ani(...).jpg)

78 KB JPG

A Carnival mask

>>29638447
Cloth masks are still masks. Especially if we stick souls into them. Why don't we try out our new shard on it?

>>29638315
It's something to keep an eye open for. We need to wear more things so we have more possibilities for enchantment. Masks might have vision or sensory enhancement, that seems pretty useful to me.

Also, we should try handmirrors, a grappling hook, a shovel with Tregalis, a necklace or bracelet.

>>29638395
I don't remember, I hope so. I remember we cracked it.

>>29638447
We should experiment, she's not going to suddenly attack right this moment. The DM isn't that cruel.

We're also surrounded by allies. We can relax a bit.

>>29638482

Might be too attention grabbing.

>>29638486

I dunno. Because "cloak" has the name "cloak" in it and us players are ADD and won't be able to try both to see which obscures our soul-energy better.

>>29638482
Imagine putting Skeith into one of those.

I'm not sure what it would do, but I want to find out.

File: 1390185035590.jpg-(224 KB, 533x800, 100804200150-4672687150_1(...).jpg)

224 KB JPG

>>29638520
All masks are attention grabbing

File: 1390185053221.png-(580 KB, 600x800, Mask.png)

580 KB PNG

>>29638482
Get on my level.
>>29638520
All our shit is attention grabbing.

File: 1390185115183.jpg-(357 KB, 950x632, 100218220601-11816898.jpg)

357 KB JPG

>>29638556
Why would I want to lower myself?

>>29638586
>>29638556
>>29638543
>>29638482

Alllllriight, I think that's enough mask-fetishy stuff for the moment. We'll look into it so you'll be quiet, promise.

File: 1390185309824.jpg-(47 KB, 604x453, Orc_Shaman_Mask_by_BRH401.jpg)

47 KB JPG

>>29638586
>not having cobbled together home made looking masks

File: 1390185491037.jpg-(32 KB, 700x680, hei-lee-cosplay-masks-viz(...).jpg)

32 KB JPG

>>29638707
>Or masks with a smile on them to freak people out.

File: 1390185563789.jpg-(61 KB, 600x600, 1.jpg)

61 KB JPG

>>29638794
>Or a mask of a dead God

File: 1390185643941.jpg-(4 KB, 289x174, nowwithlessdemonicposession.jpg)

4 KB JPG

Did someone say mask?

File: 1390185702564.jpg-(17 KB, 264x296, P.jpg)

17 KB JPG

Mask thread?

>>29638127

You don't know where Sonia is. Probably asleep.

>>29638127
>>29638274

Seated in the lodge, you perform the familiar procedure of recalling the Soul Shard of Tregalis from within an Infused item. However, amidst the golden motes of dust that rise off of the weapon are threads of a crackling purple taint, an energy that unsettles you. As you finish the procedure, they divide themselves from the Soul, melting away and vanishing into the surrounding atmosphere.

You bring Ilyanas's Shard into your palm, and focus. It burns your hand a bit, twisting into a roiling ball of energy, and a strong breeze begins to blow through the room. Throughout this process, you hear an unfamiliar sound; a distant, melodic whistling, like a strange lullaby that ceases as you apply the energy to your tattered brown cloak. As the item transforms itself, you feel a strange compulsion to toss it back over your shoulders.

It reminds you of the appearance of the sylvan Spirit, a flowing garment that consists of a veritable forest of leaves and ivy, weaving ceaselessly over an unknown material that seems a little bit like silk. The leaves rise, fall, and shake with the littlest movements of air in the room, sometimes swaying in a breeze that you're not sure is present in the room.

>Shard Infusion – Regalia of the Forest Green: In addition to serving as effective natural camouflage, the robes worn by the mysterious Ilyanas can cast a fog over the battlefield to displace the wearer's movements. By concentrating with one's bare skin in contact with the earth, the wearer is able to cast forth strangling roots and thorns. But does this power draw on nature, or the wearer's own life force?

>>29638866
I do like that one.
>>29638910
Seems pretty powerful.

>>29638910

What will you do?
>Perform another Soul ritual. (Description)
>Other

>>29638910
Oh hell yeah. I like this thing. It means we're a lot harder to be found by monsters in the forest, the fog gives us an escape skill, and a way to blind enemies and attack. And thorns and vines are certain to have uses, just don't overdo it.

We'll want to wear armor under it though.

>>29639034
Stick Tregalis in a shirt, vest, or something like that.

After that I think making some breakfast, and seeing who else is awake.

And asking if anyone has a mask lying around.

>>29639034
>>29638910

Infuse Tregalis into our boots.

>>29639034
>>Perform another Soul ritual. (Description)

Let's experiment with Tregalis. Put it in the bow.

>>29639081
We could just carve a shitty one out of some wood. Its going to change when we put stuff in it anyway.

>>29639135

Changing any of our relics DOES risk detection when we go to talk to the guard captain, guys...

i hope we get the whole 'using our life force' thing cleared up quickly

>>29639158

Bad attitude to have.

>>29639175
>we are a hunter from distant lands with an interest in exotic relics
Boom, one free aliby.

>>29639240

Even still, best to avoid it if possible. We've already traded our cloak (and it was very noticeable with Tregalis in it)...probably shouldn't trade the bow (which we just bought from the armsman) as well.

>>29638910
>By concentrating with one's bare skin in contact with the earth, the wearer is able to cast forth strangling roots and thorns. But does this power draw on nature, or the wearer's own life force?

So if we go barefoot, we could do this at any time?

>>29639310

OR if we cut a hole in the sole of a boot.

Rolled 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2 = 17

>>29639310
It doesn't say that it has to be the whole sole.

We could just get sandals and touch the earth with our toes.

>>29639460
Take off your fucking dice you ??? quest moron.

>>29639486

Whoaa now, let's chill down now.

>>29639486
Calm down dude. Its just 4chan X fucking with my email field across tabs.

>>29639486
Chill out man. No need for that.

>>29639034
Put Tregalis into the boots.

>>29639310

Presumably.

>>29639081

You make your way down the hall and into the kitchen, noting that the rest of the hunters' doors are closed. As no one's awake yet, you figure it'd be nice of you to get breakfast started. You prepare a couple of plates with some of the leftover fruit, thinking of a taste you recall from yesterday morning. You pick up the culprit, a fruit unlike those that were grown near your home village; looking like a big, white-skinned peach, it has a odd and heady scent, like wine mixed with sage and cloves.

You think a decent sauce could be made of it, to add another bit of flavor to the cured meat, and afford the others a pleasant aroma to awaken to. You get the range started and get to work on that process, taking a moment to consider what sort of Infusion you'll attempt next.

What will you do?
>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.
>Create the Earthbreaker with the Shard of Tregalis.
>Recrystallize the Shard of the Swamp Viper, and infuse your bow with the Soul Shard of Tregalis.
>Other

>>29639618
Bow with Tregalis

>>29639618
>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.

>>29639618
>>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.

>>29639618
>>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.

>>29639618
Put him in our shirt, I'm curious what it'll do.

I'm fine with the bow as well, I'd rather not make the boots right now, we don't need them and we already know what they do.

>>29639618
>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.

don't fix what ain't broke.

>>29639618

Mountain King Greaves

>>29639618
Put Tregalis in our shirt

Seriously, curious about the effect, probably some sort of armor

>>29639618
Shirt. We have a chance to learn more.

>shirt plz

>>29639618
>Create the Mountain King Greaves with the Shard of Tregalis.

>>29639618
Boots.

>>29639838
>>29639818
>>29639732
>>29639718
Why do you actually want boots? Do you expect that the girl is going to return this afternoon while we're trying to recuperate and make lunch?

We don't need anything in specific right now, we may as well experiment and get more possibilities to use in the future instead of locking ourself into one combination.

>>29639925
Because it's something to do?

>>29639925

Because they provide increased mobility and a fairly increased offense and I don't care to enchant a shirt when we plan to get some armor later.

>>29639966
if putting it in the shirt ends up working as armor, then we don't need to get that armor and can instead use that money for other things

>>29639999
Or we could buy armor then infuse the armor to get better armor.

>>29639999
See this: >>29640112

>>29640112
That too, that's another good plan
honestly there's a part of me that just wants to put shards in everything, just to see what happens.

>>29640164

1 shard per scale in our scale-mail.

>>29640186

Shall we go back to the swamp and start hunting mosquitoes?

>>29640186
you see, I both kinda want to see that happen, and think it's serious overkill

>>29640247

We'd probably explode or something.

>>29639818
>>29639732
>>29639718
>>29639675
>>29639667
>>29639650

In light of recent events, you feel it would be favorable to have a means of enhancing your mobility. As you wait for the range to heat up enough, you infuse your boots with the Soul Shard of Tregalis. The floor gently rumbles as familiar layers of stone armor emerge from them, and they grow significantly heavier in your lap.

Donning your new footwear, you continue working in the kitchen for just a few minutes before you hear the sound of a door opening, and Daeron pokes his head into the hallway.

“Oy, Erick's making breakfast!” He yawns loudly. “Hey, you guys awake?”

There's a brief silence, followed by a loud groan from Rebecca's room. Grato's door cracks open as well: “Well, would you look at that? Boy knows how to cook a little, too!”

The door to Sonia's room swings wide into the hallway, looking like it's about to fly off the hinges. “Eriiiiick's awake!” she sings; the girl bounds into the hallway, sword dangling loosely at her side, then takes a long leap into the kitchen, skidding across the floor past the table as she lands.

It doesn't take you much longer to finish plating, and the other four are out of their rooms by the time you do. Still exhausted from the journey home, and in yours and Daeron's case, from your most recent near-death experience, the five of you dig in, ravenous eating eclipsing any possibility of conversation for at least a minute or two.

>Cont'd

>>29640615

“Huh...” Rebecca remarks, licking her finger. “I don't do a whole lot of cooking, but I never would have thought to make something like this.”

“Oh, uh. Back at home I didn't really expect anyone to feed me, so I learned how to handle myself pretty early.”

“Makes sense.” She continues. “So what exactly happened in the city yesterday?”

“Dragon came back.” Daeron says. “This time, with rider. It was after Erick, but I made sure not too many people got in the way while he sent it packing.”

“How bad is the damage?” Grato asks.

“Bad.” The bowman responds. “Whole residential block on Crown got roasted, as did a warehouse and the tavern on Ash. Not sure if any of the city council buildings are damaged.”

“And a significant portion of the city's guards are injured or worse.” You add.

“That too. I'm expecting some looting... maybe even an increase in crime. City's gonna be reeling from this one for more than a few months, economically speaking.” Daeron sighs.

“We decided the dragon was after Erick here, then?” Rebecca looks at everyone around the table as if expecting a response, before glancing over at you. “Who's the rider? You know him?”

>What will you say?

>>29640657
"Nope"

>>29640657
"Her. Used to, the other apprentice of my former Master, I'm not entirely sure what she's got against me or who she's now working for.

We probably shouldn't mention this bit, I don't think it would go over well."

I think we can trust them, and they're more useful against her if they know what's going on.

Note to self, do some bulk hunting of basic but still pretty tough monsters and enchant gear for these folks.

>>29640657
"He had a mask on."

Propose to go hunting. That will get us away from the city, and maybe get us some souls as well.

>>29640657
Lets throw them a bone.

Lets tell them that the rider was one of our fellow apprentice, but that we have no idea why she is attacking us.

I think I figured why our master wanted us to die. As shardkeepers rivalries can cause massive destruction, he doesn't want to have more than one successor.
In other words, he want to keep the number of shardkeepers as low as possible.

The only way to minimize potential damage is kill them before they grow strong enough to level cities.

>>29640748
>>29640668
We can't justify not telling Sonia about this, we're planning on teaching her stuff, and she deserves to know that it might make her a target, and who would target her.

We'd be a pretty terrible master if we hid that from her, and we can't really expect to tell one story to Sonia, and keep the rest of the people we live with in the dark.

(( Consensus is? ))

>>29640829
Perhaps we can tell Sonia in private then. No need to worry the others even more.

>>29640945
It doesn't really do any harm for them to know what's after us, they already worked out it was after us, and I'd rather not bother in trying to tell Sonia a different story than the rest of them and hoping nobody finds out.

>>29640927
Tell them about our master's other apprentice.

>>29640745

I'll second this.

>>29640657
>>29640615

Gawd, these guys just don't even have the willpower of a PC. Sleeping off their wounds? Laaammmeeee.

Also, thirding. >>29640745

>>29640745

“Her. And I used to. She's the other apprentice of my former Master, and I'm not entirely sure what she's got against me or who she's now working for.” You nod. “Though we probably shouldn't mention this bit. I don't think it'd go over well.”

“I see.” Rebecca sighs. “You told me it was a summoned creature, but somehow it didn't quite click with me that, well, there's another one of you guys running around out there.”

“You're students of the same Master, too, huh?” Daeron asks. “That's rough, man.”

“I can't even fathom how you'd go about learning such a craft.” Rebecca says. “But perhaps she's just trying to eliminate the competition? Is your Master still alive out there? If not, it might be just you and her.”

“It doesn't matter! 'Cause Erick's gonna beat her, right?” Sonia chimes in—you still can't shake the fact that she looks like a much younger Anise. The girl appears concerned, though, likely for your safety; it stands to reason, too, that if she were to learn your craft, she'd be next on the other Shardkeeper's hit list.

“I dunno, man.” The bowman shrugs, and you shoot him a look of disbelief. “What? I don't want to cast doubt or anything, but that damn sword looked like serious business. Was like nothing I've ever seen.”

“Don't you worry about a thing, boy!” Grato chuckles. “This little lady you're talking about is now an enemy of the city, and an enemy of yours! That means she's an enemy of ours. Whatever the case, we'll stand right behind you!”

>Cont'd

>>29641618

The conversation stalls for a bit before Rebecca speaks back up. “Alright, everyone, it's about time we addressed the topic of our next move. If what Daeron says is true, the city's hemmorhaging money, and if we don't personally get back on our feet, we'll be eating our furniture within about five days.”

“Gross.” Daeron rolls his eyes.

“Yeah.” The woman responds. “So, does anyone have any ideas as to what our next move should be?”

“What about the beast that ate old Pleasance a little ways out east?” Grato grins. “We'd be rich if we co—“

“You can't explain everything with stupid rumors, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna go chasing down another one.” Rebecca hisses. “Does anyone have any actual ideas?”

What will you say?
>Suggest some particular plan or hunting mission, or ask about big game. (Description)
>Suggest the group travel somewhere, or recall knowledge about faraway places. (Description)
>Ask Daeron what he thinks, or wait for him to speak up.
>”What's this about 'pleasance', now?”

>>29641651
>”What's this about 'pleasance', now?”

Meh, better than nothing.

Or we could ask Isaac for anything nearby.

>>29641651
>>Suggest some particular plan or hunting mission, or ask about big game. (Description)
Any big game nearby?

>>29641651
>>”What's this about 'pleasance', now?”

>>29641651
>”What's this about 'pleasance', now?”

We may as well ask.

>Suggest some particular plan or hunting mission, or ask about big game. (Description)

Ask about what sort of big game lives nearby, anything with valuable hides for crafting, particularly worthwhile meat, or otherwise worth the money.

Also, we can get some Souls from these hunts and buff up our and our hunting group's equipment.

>>29641651

"I actually got in with the Guard Captain after the fight...and he suggested that we might be able to do some contract work. It'd probably be lucrative too, seeing as the guard's so injured.

...Not that I'm suggesting profiteering."

>>29641802

Hmm...

>>29641651

Mention that the Guard Captain might be able to point us in the direction of some beasts, or be able to provide us other work.

>>29642561
Supporting this

>>29641802
>>29641773

“What's this about 'Pleasance', now?” You ask.

“Ah, great. Not you too...” Rebecca begins, before Grato interrupts.

“Glad you're intrigued, boy!” Grato chuckles. “There used to be a little town a ways down the road to the east, called Pleasance. But just a few weeks ago, the place dropped off the face of the earth.”

“Dropped off the face of the earth? What does that mean?” You ask, tilting your head.

“He doesn't mean literally.” Rebecca said. “They cut all outside connections suddenly, and a bunch of people disappeared. I'm pretty sure the place's population was forty or less, so it must have been mass hysteria, or maybe something in the water...”

“But a bunch of them didn't disappear—they all disappeared, every last one! And people at the taverns say the merchants that go that way aren't coming back! They were slain, they were, by a terrible beast!” Grato continues.

“While Grato's theory is most certainly exaggerated, there's actually an iota of truth there this time.” Daeron says, raising his hand. “I've heard the frequency of attacks on caravans and travelers out east has increased lately. People are saying that animals from Imadagne are migrating out this way for some reason... which I don't really want to think about, because it's kind of scary...”

“Good input, Daeron.” Rebecca says. “Anyone else?”

>Cont'd

>>29642651

“Well, I actually got in with the Captain of the Guard after the fight, and he suggested we might be able to do some contract work. It'd probably be lucrative, if the guard is so short-staffed at the moment... not that I'm suggesting profiteering.”

“Hey—this isn't profiteering, it's practically charity.” Rebecca raises and slowly lowers both of her hands in a dis-incriminating 'cool-it-down' gesture. “Not that I'm above profiteering anyway. What do you have in mind?”

“What other big game is nearby? What do you guys usually hunt for profit?”

“Lot of stuff. Been a while since our last good trip, though.” Daeron says. “Once you're clear of the city, the coyotes and worgs hunt in the woods. Lot of weird stuff out in the hills, too. There used to be these things they called 'brontotheres', or something, but not anymore—either got hunted to extinction, or maybe driven out north. We've got spiders, too, under the hills...”

“But as far as big kills, the city doesn't usually know about 'em. That'll probably hold true unless the Captain of the Guard knows something we don't right now.” Rebecca says. “It's the little towns around Callestria, and the fishing villages out south that'll sometimes get terrorized by something big and nasty, and they develop reputations around there. Ah—the villages out south get all they need from fishing, so no one hunts at Outset Cove anymore, either. I bet there's something nice out there...”

What will you say?
>Call attention to one of the particular ideas.
>Imadagne? If Daeron's afraid of it, it's probably important.
>Disappearing people? Ask something else about Pleasance.
>Other

>>29642679
>>Disappearing people? Ask something else about Pleasance.

>>29642731
Any footprints?

>>29642679
>Imadagne? If Daeron's afraid of it, it's probably important.

"If there's a migration we should get on top of it, if some nasty things come in then they'll push other things out, which then need a place to hunt, and it might ripple through the entire ecosystem."

>>29642679

Disappearing people and Imadagne?

"Also, cities don't get as big as Callestria without most of the officials being competent. The Guard Captain **does** know things that we don't."

What's Outset Cove?

Could we get a general geographic lowdown on the surrounding area?

Also...I wonder what's making animals migrate this way And if we can kill it.

btw, OP. You're doing good, keep up the good work. Letting a tread go without action may feel lazy on your part, but us players are enjoying figuring out more about your world.

>>29642679
>Disappearing people? Ask something else about Pleasance.

>>29642679
"I'd put good money on the Guard Captain knowing things we don't, but let's not try to push that contact just yet.

People vanishing around Pleasance sounds promising for a hunt, though. Has Pleasance had any issues with monsters in the past?"

>>29642833
>>29642736

“Cities don't get this big without competent officials, so I'm sure the Captain knows something we don't—but I digress. What's Outset Cove?” You ask.

“It's a stretch of land along the coast to the south of here.” Rebecca says. “There's a few fishing villages in Callestria's territory, and that whole strip to the east and west is called Outset Cove. I haven't been down there since I was a kid, but as you go further in either direction, it basically turns into a rocky kind-of beach with a cliff face on one side of you and the ocean on the other, and there's a whole lot of caves down there too. Most of 'em are at least partially submerged, but there's plenty that are walkable too.”

“It used to be a hunting ground, but people over there mostly fish now.” Daeron says. “Who knows what's living in 'em now?”

“Hm. And Imedagne?”

“Ugh, you really aren't from around here.” Rebecca sticks her tongue out, looking exasperated.

“Imedagne is a sort-of pass a long ways to the east of here. It's surrounded by mountains and cliffs, and I'm told it rains a lot.” Daeron says. “The place is a little more, uh, pristine than Callestria's territory, so as you can imagine it's dangerous for any given traveler. There's fauna that are more exotic and dangerous than what you'd find this close to home, but it's typically too much of a hassle to set up a hunting journey out there.”

“And what about Pleasance? Is there any evidence of where the people went, like footprints? Has it had any issues with monsters in the past?”

“Nope! Quiet as anything. Why do you think it's called that?” Grato asks.

“You know, that is a good point.” Rebecca says. “I don't think I heard anyone note that there were any foreign footprints, or evidence of people just up and leaving. If some kind of monster killed 'em, though, there'd be tracks, or blood or something, right?”

What will you say?
>Other

>>29643276
>“I don't think I heard anyone note that there were any foreign footprints, or evidence of people just up and leaving. If some kind of monster killed 'em, though, there'd be tracks, or blood or something, right?”
Skeith doesn't leave footprints.

"Some... spirits have issues with humans. They leave a different kind of footprint. One I faced poisoned a swamp.

>>29643315

Let's not scare them off of it. We shouldn't suggest anything until we can examine the evidence ourselves.

Think that might be where Anise is operating out of?

>>29643276
"No signs of attack at all and no word about leaving... it could be a spirit, some have issues with humans and don't leave footprints in the ground.

Outset Cove could be promising and less of a hassle getting out to, from what you've said, but it seems like more of a gamble than Imedagne."

>>29643276
"A Spirit would leave a different sort of trail, I'm not saying it is one, but it's a possibility.

I think it's worth checking out, especially since there's other things out east worth investigating and hunting."

>>29643276
That town of pleasance piqued my curiosity.

Lets take a look at that place.

>>29643315
>>29643442
>>29643443
>>29643443
>>29643484
>>29643502

You don't want to at least talk to the Captain of the Guard first?

>>29643538
Oh, we definitely should talk to him first. A town disappearing, that's something that would concern him, he might know more about it, and he'd also know about other things worth considering.

But I am saying that Pleasance is worth looking into, at least at some point.

>>29643484

“But a Spirit would leave a different sort of trail.” You say.

“Oh, boy...” Daeron sighs.

“I'm not saying it is one, but it's certainly a possibility. It is just a rumor, but I think it's certainly worth checking out, especially if there's hunting to be done out east. I'll see what the Captain of the Guard knows, and then we'll decide what to do next.”

“I guess it's worth trusting your intuition. In that case, we're finally moving.” Rebecca smiles at you, then looks at the rest of the group. “Anyone opposed?”

(( Said I wouldn't be running too long, and indeed I'm done for the night. I've got a quick errand to run, but I'll be around if there are any questions or anything's unclear. Pastebin should be right, and I'm archiving. ))

>>29643588

He also might be willing to pay.

>>29643828

Could you post a pastebin link?

Also, you might consider drawing a map for us to consult.

>>29643878

(( Pastebin link is in the OP as usual, and I do my best to keep it persistent with the thread. As far as mapping goes, it's on my mind, as I didn't really have it in my head that I'd be introducing so many locations! I haven't a clue where to begin, as the ability to draw maps or knowledge of the necessary utilities to do so has always eluded me, but I'll try to figure something out. ))

>>29643953

MS paint is a good standby. If you're on the mac I can try and find some alternatives.

Throwing together anything (even if YOU think it looks terrible) works. The players will love it even if you're dissatisfied.